A year ago, she begged me to stay.A year later, it’s my turn to beg her not to go.My obsession. My downfall.I tried to resist, to keep her at a distance.I tried to save myself.But no one will be saved here, not even a selfish bastard like me. My life has always been about sport and family, including my stupid brothers. Until that night, the night I made the worst decision of my life. And I’m … decision of my life. And I’m still paying the price for it.
We both are.
But the time has come to take back control of the situation, to risk it all, to convince her to let me in, because she can’t be anything other than mine.
I am Ian O’Connor, and I’m about to accept this challenge: to try and hold on to the only woman I’ll ever be able to love.
And even if I already know how this badly written romance is going to end, I won’t back away. This time, I’m going all the way. Because I only want her.
And I have no intention of losing her.
I’m an O’Connor, and the O’Connors never lose.
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Ian by A. S. Kelly is book One in The O’Connor Brothers Series. This is the story of Ian and Riley who have been dancing around their feelings. Ian has been knocked off his socks from their first meeting when Riley ‘saved him’ from a lady at a party. Ian knows that Riley is someone you have to be all in for but due to his reason he not ready until he finds that he is. I enjoyed reading their story and that this touched on his father who was going through a loss in his health.
My God this book…. nobody has made me cry more with her work as much as A.S. Kelly has done in the 3 books I’ve read so far. I’m not sure I like that very much (kidding).
This one is simply AMAZING. I’m trying really hard to find words to write a review that will explain how much this book broke my heart before it got taped back together. This story is about two people who have lost so much in their life and are doing everything they can to put on the brave face for the word while suffering on the inside.
They both got issues that run deep and being together feels just right even when they can’t explain why. I liked Riley but to say I loved Ian is an understatement of the year. That broken beautiful man can run straight into my arms any time he wants.
“I don’t want to be a distraction from your loneliness. I don’t want to be the last drop of emptiness that fills you. I don’t want to be something you look for to hide away from the rest of the world. I just want you to be mine!” *swoon*.
I’m a HUGE fan and I’m so looking forward to seeing next O’Connor finding his happiness.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
A story that takes your heart and crushes it, glues it and reduces it to a thousand pieces again. Two characters destroyed by a painful past. A story that makes you suffer. And a love that wins over everything, the one between Ian and Riley.
Ian: The O’Connor Brothers, Book 1
By A.S. Kelly
Narrated by Ashley Taylor and Daniel Knight
This is the first book I have read/listened to by A.S. Kelly, but it definitely won’t be the last. I can’t wait to find out what the other O’Connor brothers stories are.
This story had me on an emotional roller coaster, reaching for my tissues one minute, then wanting to throw my iPad across the room and ultimately laughing and rooting for Ian and Riley to figure it all out.
This was also my first book with Ashley Taylor and Daniel Knight as narrators. I loved both of their voices and the accents were wonderful. They really brought the characters to life. I’m definitely putting them on my to be listened to narrators list.
This book was a joy to read/listen to and I look forward to the rest of the O’Connors stories.
I’ll be honest, I was putting this one off for a while. I forgot why I accepted the ARC, and ARC book descriptions don’t usually show up in my Kindle app. Yes, I could have gone and looked it up in my email. I’m not usually thinking that clearly by the time I’ve carved reading time into my night, okay?
Anyway, I finally sat down and read Ian, and I’m so glad I did. We’ve got two frankly damaged characters who seem to think they’re far too damaged for the other one to “get” their damage (spoiler alert, they’re not) and they’re both determined to avoid each other like plague.
Kelly does a magnificent job of keeping the tension high and making sure both characters reflect each other. This is hard to do in het romance – usually one character (the woman) has to be “vulnerable” so the other (the man) can be “strong.” That didn’t happen here. Both showed vulnerability, both showed strength. Ian, in particular, combined both traits at the same time in many scenes.
I don’t know a lot about rugby. I did try out for the team in college (three guesses why). The team culture was, er, not something I was willing to live with and I decided not to return. I’d forgotten I knew anything about rugby until I read this book. So special thanks to Ms. Kelly for reminding me of all my youthful hopes and dreams, I guess.
Ian is a fantastic sports romance about family, rugby, and two damaged people getting a much-deserved happily ever after. If you love any of the above, you should pick it up.
Ian
The O’Connor Brothers, Book 1
By: A. S. Kelly
Narrated by: Ashley Taylor, Daniel Knight
Sports romances always intrigue me. Athletes have such a stressful training program, there never seems to be enough time for a relationship. Ian O’Connor, rugby player, knows how difficult,it is to,balance life. But that is not what keeps him from the love of,his life, Riley. Riley is his best friend Ryan’s sister, and this is not what keeps them apart! There is an incredible back story to this player that held him up, and now with his advances, Riley is not trusting his feelings. This push pull, sexually charged romance will keep you in your toes. It’s my first A. S. Kelly book, and her style is like no other. The book is written in flashback style, and at times, while confusing about which time period we are in, the history of both Riley and Ian is so important that it has to be told. Ian is tortured and this makes him both frustrating and endearing, Riley is vulnerable and hesitant. Will these two find their way? Give this a listen and you will the. Want to hear Ryan’s story next!
The narration of this story is by Ashley Taylor and new narrator Daniel Knight. Knight has the majority of the story and his Irish brogue is swoon worthy. A little more emotion and differences between voices would be something I would like, but I really enjoyed his pace and his voice is sexy. Ashley Taylor adds her voice to the duet as Riley and is wonderful as always. Looking forward to more from these two.
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Ian by AS Kelly is the first book in the O’Connor series. This was Ian and Riley’s story, two complex characters who had intense chemistry. Told in dual POV and at various times in the past, the story is was emotional and although it will take you a little while to get into the story, you will eventually be hooked until the end.
The audiobook was narrated by: Ashley Taylor, Daniel Knight. These two did an awesome job with the narration. The accents and personality provided for these characters were exceptional, the timing and delivery were spot on. I enjoyed listening to them narrate this story.
I would recommend this novel to all lovers of second chance romance and sports romance.
#AudiobookObsessionReviewer
Ian by A.S. Kelly is book one in The O’Connor Brothers Series that I listened to on audio narrated by Ashley Taylor and Daniel Knight.
All I can say is wow! A.S. Kelly takes you through an emotional roller coaster with Ian and Riley. It is a story that you will need to pay attention to while listening on audio due to the story jumping in the past at times.
Ashley and Daniel did an amazing job! This is the first time I have heard two narrators work together on one chapter and I absolutely love it. It is so much easier to follow along when the voices for the characters stay the same.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Second Chance Romances, Enemies to Lovers, or Sports Romances.
#AudiobookObessionReviwer #AudioBookObsession
The emotions in this book are so potent that you will be feeling them right along with these characters. These two both have tragic backgrounds and when they come out, your heart will break with them. This book was definitely a great listen!
4 star Review Ian (The O’Connor Brothers #1) by A.S. Kelly
Audio Review:
A.S.Kelly is a new author to me as are the narrators Ashley Taylor and Daniel Knight. I really enjoyed listening to the narrators as they told this emotional and at times angsty story. Their performances certainly enhanced my enjoyment and I could have listed to Daniel Knight all day, his accent is amazing.
Ian O’Connor is a man with a lot of baggage and does not trust easily. Told in dual point of view with suet narration, the author moves from the present to the past throughout this story. I will say that at times I got myself a little confused whilst listening, you really need to concentrate as I found myself rewinding on occasion.
The woman that Ian falls for Riley Murphy has her own secrets which have damaged her and there were times that my heart broke for both of them. Both Ian and Riley have issues that I thought would end their relationship before it really got a chance, their insecurities and feelings of self loathing were heartbreaking. An emotional roller coaster of a story that really tugged at the heart strings.
I did feel a couple of times that the story dragged a little and was a touch repetitive. However having said that the secondary characters were also entertaining and I look forward to their stories in the future.
Terrific Story & Audible Listen 4.5 Heartfelt & Emotional Stars
Ian
The O’Connor Brothers, Book 1
By: A. S. Kelly
Narrated by: Ashley Taylor, Daniel Knight
This is my first book written by A.S. Kelly, she has an interesting writing style, she alternates time frames and gives bits and pieces of the characters past, never fully putting it all together until the end. The storylines and characters she created are interesting and draws you right in, compelling you to want to know more of what is going on and where is it leading. Each of the two leads, Ian and Riley, are harboring secrets and skeletons in their closets. They are broken in their own ways, yet they are drawn to each other, neither thinking they are good enough for the other. Their relationship is an angsty rollercoaster ride, when it progresses to the next level, it is like they take one step forward then two steps back. A lot goes on in this book, there is plenty of drama, angst, twists and turns and two broken souls trying to get past the barriers placed around their heart and allow themselves to love and be loved. I adored Ian’s family, his loving parents as well as brothers Nick and Ryan, glad to see they are getting their own books, also glad to see Riley’s brother Jaime is getting his own book too. A.S Kelly, thank you for this great story and the emotional rollercoaster ride.
I listened to the Audible edition, narrated by the talented Ashely Taylor & Daniel Knight. They are terrific voice performers and storytellers, they brought these characters to life, gave each their own voice and personality. You could hear the characters emotions and the drama of the story projected in to their performance. They are a great duet team and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for this great listen
Daniel Knight does a fabulous job with all the Irish accents. I didn’t realise quite how good till he switched to the English accent lol. Ashley Taylor does well with all the female voices. I love the way this is done with each taking the voices throughout as the point of view throughout the book is Ian’s.
The story confused me slightly with the jumping around different times. I got a little lost in some places. But I don’t think it ruined the book for me, the emotional rollercoaster totally made up for everything else. Wow so many emotions. A couple of times I just wanted to bash some heads together to get them to see some sense lol.
Ian (The O’Connor Brothers, Book One) is a sport romance about a rugby player, written in dual pov set in Ireland, UK. The writing style is a little divergent and takes time to get into it. We were brought into the narrative without any detailed history, so it felt a bit vague. Intricate morsels of perplex moments are intricately weaved throughout the narrative. Once you find your momemtum its smooth sailing the rest way through to the end. Flashbacks going back to different times in history and back to the present day gives you a glimpse into the characters personalities. The family dynamics of The O’Connor’s was a intriguing part of this audiobook. Unexpected twists seep through the pages leaves you astonished. Ian and Ryley are complex and so is their relationship. Their romance oscillated Into intense moments of fizzle. Supporting character’s bring into the mix more
theatrics and wittiness. The ending wrapped up with a sprightly epilogue. Looking forward to listening to other books in this series about the other O’Connor brothers.
Narators Ashley Taylor & Daniel Knight duet narration of Ian gives you the aura of being in Ireland, bringing the character’s and narrative into existence.
Daniel Knight performance of an irish brogue was on the nail. I could picture all the O’Connor brothers sitting at a irish pub arguing about Rugby with their friends. However, at times it felt like he was speaking in monotone, and reading lines instead of actually performing them.
Although, most of the naration was the pov of Ian, Ashley’s performance of Ryley delivered all the right vibes. Riley’s sentiments were voiced in a realistic way. Her voice is sweet and joie de vivre to listen to.
Audio Review: Ian (The O’Connor Brothers) by A.S. Kelly (Author), Ashley Taylor (Narrator), Daniel Knight (Narrator)
Ian has a tendency to feel like a bad cliche. I wanted to like him, felt sorry for him and almost hated him, but I found it hard to settle on any specific feeling for him. Riley and Ian are a chaotic blend of tragic circumstances, emotional upheaval and deeply rooted anger. At it’s best Ian found the courage to make itself raw. At it’s worst, the journey came up a little short. Whether you like him or love him, Kelly makes sure readers are moved to feel something for him.
Ian is the first book in The O’Conner Brothers Series. I had a hard time getting into this sports romance, and at times it felt like I missed something. It does go back and forth from past and present. Rugby player Ian is the peacemaker in his family, his best friend Jamie sister Riley is the girl he’s fallen for or has he? The characters had good chemistry. It was an okay read for me.
This is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading from this author. I had to stop reading a couple of times. This book is highly emotional. It pulls at every single heart strong you have. Ian is a Rugby player. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders trying to keep his family together. His love life is nonexistent but he is carrying a large torch for his teammate and friends sister Riley. But he left her. Riley has struggled all her life. She is strong it has her own painful story. You start this story with both of them already feeling the worst pain possibly. But he wants to make her safe and she doesn’t want anything to do with him. Immediately you are hit with emotions. This is a very emotional book. The writer did amazing writing this one. You can feel everything both of these characters go through.There are some twists in this storyline that had me wanting to throw my kindle. But this was an amazing storyline from beginning to end. She pulled me in and had me on the edge until the end. I can’t wait to read more. Hopefully we get the brothers story. Highly recommend . Fair warning have a box of tissues and chocolate.
Ian is a rugby player and Riley works in a Cinema. The two are very different but seem to get each other. Ian has an interesting family and past. He wasn’t totally ready for a relationship at first but Riley knocked him for a loop. Riley liked Ian from the start but is careful with her emotions. A great story.
Ian: O’Connor Brothers by A.S. Kelly was okay read at best. It was hard for me as a reader to get into. I had to make myself finish reading this book. The pace of the book was too slow for me and it kept going back to the past too much for me.
The book begins with Ian in the bar with his best friend and teammate Jamie. Ian is a professional Rugby player. This is when he meets Riley, which is Jamie’s sister. Now back to the present, Ian and Riley see each other again when Jamie is hurt during a rugby match. The chemistry is still there between the pair and something happened between the pair to make Riley distrust Ian so much. Ian has the weight of the world on his shoulders because he is the peacemaker in his family.
Do Riley and Ian give in to the chemistry that is still burning bright between them? Do Riley and Ian get their happy ever after? You will have to read Ian by A.S. Kelly to find out. Ian has all that the reader would want in a romance. It has love, passion, and romance.
Even though Ian wasn’t my cup of tea, it was an okay read. This was the first book that I have read by A.S. Kelly. I will read another one by A.S. Kelly in the future as the author was a new one for me.
This book is a real page turner. I loved it from beginning to end. Ian is a rugby player. He takes care of his parents. His dad’s health is on the decline. Ian decided it was time to call his brothers who have not been to see their parents in a long time. The two brothers don’t get a long to well but Ian hopes they can get a long while they see their parents. Ian has a woman on his mind to. One he won’t soon forget. When his team captain gets hurt on the field, Ian goes to the hospital to see him and the last person he expected to see was Riley. Riley did not expect to see Ian again after that one night years ago. Riley can’t trust Ian. Getting into a relationship with Ian will not work. Ian is bound and determined to make Riley his. Will this relationship work out between the two of them, or will they both get hurt? Neither one is sure it will.